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Whiplash Smile

by Billy Idol

Released: October 20, 1986

Hard Rock, new wave

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Whiplash Smile" is the third studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on October 20, 1986, through Chrysalis Records. It also entered the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Additionally, "Soul Standing By" was released as a single exclusively in Australia and New Zealand.

Inside the Recording

Following the success of his previous album, Rebel Yell (1983), Idol continued his collaboration with producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Stevens, contributing to the album's signature sound, which features Stevens' prominent guitar work, dance beats, and synth-heavy production.

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Essential Tracks

To Be A Lover

Three singles were released from the album: "To Be a Lover," "Don't Need a Gun," and "Sweet Sixteen," all of which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Soul Standing By

Additionally, "Soul Standing By" was released as a single exclusively in Australia and New Zealand.

Sweet Sixteen

Three singles were released from the album: "To Be a Lover," "Don't Need a Gun," and "Sweet Sixteen," all of which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Explore the Album

Billy Idol - Whiplash Smile

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Then

Reception

The album received generally mixed reviews from critics but achieved commercial success, peaking at number six on the US Billboard 200 and reaching number eight in the UK. Whiplash Smile was certified platinum by the RIAA and has sold over two million copies worldwide. Three singles were released from the album: "To Be a Lover," "Don't Need a Gun," and "Sweet Sixteen," all of which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Whiplash Smile" is the third studio album by English rock singer Billy Idol, released on October 20, 1986, through Chrysalis Records. Following the success of his previous album, Rebel Yell (1983), Idol continued his collaboration with producer Keith Forsey and guitarist Steve Stevens, contributing to the album's signature sound, which features Stevens' prominent guitar work, dance beats, and synth-heavy production.

The album received generally mixed reviews from critics but achieved commercial success, peaking at number six on the US Billboard 200 and reaching number eight in the UK. It also entered the top 10 in several other countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Whiplash Smile was certified platinum by the RIAA and has sold over two million copies worldwide.

Three singles were released from the album: "To Be a Lover," "Don't Need a Gun," and "Sweet Sixteen," all of which reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, "Soul Standing By" was released as a single exclusively in Australia and New Zealand.